Lost psychic, meet Nexus

[karma_loop]

Another unsuspecting visitor has stumbled into the Nexus today, not ever realizing that their usual pathway has changed into something unfamiliar. There's a man in his late 20's, dressed in a suit and cravat, channeling portions of the 70's and 200o's alike with his fashion sense. His gaze is aimed downward at the phone in his hand, a pair of earphones blocking out the loud noises of the Nexus. It's only after a few minutes of wandering forward that Ethan realizes something is different about his usual pathway.

"The Metro is stupid busy today. Maybe I should've paid an Uber to take me home...?"

It takes him only a second after prying his attention away from the cell phone to notice that the people walking past him are a variety of shapes and sizes, some of which aren't human at all. Annoyance turns to concern as he removes the airpods from his ears, forced to stare at the new scenery like a deer exposed to headlights. Okay. This isn't the D.C. subway station at all.

The initial shock doesn't wear off for at least an hour, after seeing the introduction video and reading the Nexus pamphlets, the man is still thoroughly confused. He gets it that this place is a hub, but does he need to ask a question in order to go home? Does it have to be personal? Sighing loudly, he takes a seat on a nearby bench, one hand grasped tightly around his messenger bag handle.

"So asking questions to random people isn't exactly something I usually do. However, I'm starting to suspect that if I want to find a way back home, I'll need to do whatever this Nexus place asks. So, let's start with something easy..." He takes a deep breath, trying to get comfortable. "What's you favorite musical album, vinyl or not. I'm kinda curious if this Nexus shares similar music tastes to my world, or if other artists and genres exist."

Comments

[wannabedisney]

[She can tell by his body language that he seems to be a little bit nervous. And judging by the fact that he is human (from her assumptions so far), it's not all too surprising. Charlie had three weeks to get use to seeing humans and she was able to let all of her 'squealing' out, but even so - she still finds them so fascinating. She hopes she can learn more in time.]

[Wanting to set him more at ease, Charlie digs in her pockets for some change and hands it over to her goat creatures. They both perk up and together, they trot off to the nearest cafe. She half wonders what they will get for themselves but knowing them, probably sweets.]

Both, actually!! Although, not a lot of my people back home are too big on singing.

[karma_loop]

"Is that so? Sounds like we have similar work environments then, as a lot of my co-workers are very serious and straightforward." Ethan suspects psychics have their own after-work activities, but few of them involve wild forms of expression.

His hesitant gaze is on the goats, even as they happily wander off into the depths of the Nexus to do whatever they like. This is going to take some getting used to, but he takes a deep breath and manages to calm down, unaware that the blond in front of him is a demon. She seems nice enough and he's more than willing to make an effort towards the conversation.

"I collect a lot of music in my spare time, part hobby and part relaxation. Music is something that helps take the edge of everyday life." He pauses for a moment, worried about taking over the conversation or boring her. Instead, he extends one gloved hand to the woman politely. "Sorry, sorry...I guess I'm not used to having people to talk with outside of work. I'm Ethan."

[wannabedisney]

[Work environment... sure, we'll go with that. This is usually where she comes in to explain more about her world and that, well, actually - she is the Princess of Hell. And the closest thing to work for her (besides managing the hotel) is attending to political dinner parties and other royal things. But she decides to not to, for now. This human seems so shaken up about her little bodyguards that maybe discussing about how she's in Hell and the princess of it would be too much.]

[And besides she wants to give him a good impression, first. She's been hearing stories that people's perspective of demons are that they are all evil and unkind. Yes while that is partially true, it's not fully.]

I agree. Music does help take the edge off of things. -- Especially when the days are particularly bad.

[Charlie smiles and grabs his hand; shaking firmly.]

It's nice to meet you! I'm Charlie.

[And it wasn't too long until her goat demons return back to them. Two of them carrying their own separate doggie bags.]

And this is Razzle and Dazzle. -- They're my little bodyguards.

[They both nod over at Ethan's direction as their way of saying "Hello". Razzle approaches closer to Charlie to hand her the leftover money they spent which she just shakes her at him to decline it. She's not going to fret over a few cents. Besides, they need to learn how to save, anyway.]

[As for Dazzle, he gets a little closer to Ethan while digging in his doggie bag. He pulls out a glaze doughnut in his way of asking if he would like to have one.]

[karma_loop]

It's probably for the best that he doesn't know about her questionable heritage yet, given the overwhelming nature of the Nexus on first-timers. His guard is quickly dropping, settling into the conversation over any sort of fears regarding getting home. It's been a long time since he talked with someone on a casual level, instead of discussing work-related topics.

"It's also good at keeping your mood up when the day is going strong." The strength of the handshake is noted, along with Charlie's infectious smile. "Nice to meet you Charlie. You're the first person I've talked with since arriving here."

And the goat twins are back, but this time around, Ethan isn't immediately jumpy. Instead, he watches them interact with Charlie calmly, observing their behaviors and manners. When Dazzle offers him a donut, he politely shakes his head no. "I appreciate the offer, but you should enjoy the treat."

He'll worry about food in a bit, given his evening trip home on the subway was interrupted by the Nexus turning the hallway into a gateway elsewhere. "They seemed scary at first, but I guess I'm not used to all these new things here. Sorry if I came off as a little jumpy earlier..."

[wannabedisney]

[He doesn't have to tell Dazzle twice as he shrugs and almost immediately munches down on the donut -- plopping himself back next to his partner-in-crime. Charlie giggles and shakes her head.]

Oh, no need to apologize! They can get scary in their own way. But it's only when someone hurts me. Y'know, they were actually my stuff animals at one point. But my dad decided I needed bodyguards sooooooooo poof...! -- He brought them to life for me.

[She wiggles more in her bean bag chair to get more settled in.]

But I know exactly how you feel. I'm new to the Nexus too and uh, I'm... still kinda adjusting.

[karma_loop]

"Dad? Bodyguards?" The goats seem harmless enough and he's heard of people manipulating objects with psychic powers back home. Still, Charlie has to have a really serious father is order to do something so extreme. He'll pass on asking anymore questions, realizing suddenly how rude his first two might've seemed.

"Yeah this place is daunting, but it feels good coming in with a fresh outlook. It's really just the unusual stuff that I'm still trying to wrap my brain around, but..." He nods, looking around and all the different passerby people. "No one's judging me right off the bat."